I mean…they were close.
And I know that doesn’t make it any easier. “Close” doesn’t count for much in the standings, but it does tell a story. Because for all the frustration, the Falcons went toe-to-toe
with a very good New England Patriots team and, for stretches, looked every bit their equal.
Michael Penix Jr. and Drake London each delivered their first three-touchdown performances, putting on a show that reminded everyone what this offense can be when it’s clicking. The defense? Pure chaos. Flying around, creating pressure, and keeping Atlanta within striking distance until the end.
It didn’t end the way anyone hoped, but if you’re searching for a reason to believe, or at least something to get the blood pumping again, this highlight reel has plenty of it.
Explosive plays. Relentless energy. Glimpses of what’s possible.
Because sometimes, even in a loss, you can see the foundation of something real.
Pitts hits 3,000-yard mark
With the 22-yard catch-and-run to put the Falcons in New England territory for the first time, tight end Kyle Pitts made a little history.
Pitts joins Tony Gonzalez, Alge Crumpler, and Jim Mitchell as the only tight ends in Falcons history to reach the 3,000-yard mark for the Falcons. Kyle Pitts has been one of the true bright spots of a mostly disjointed effort from the Atlanta offense.
Pitts comes into this week third among tight ends in receptions, eighth in receiving yards, and is fourth in catch % of any tight end with at least 20 targets (83%).
Drake London finds paydirt from a yard out!
WE HAVE A TOUCHDOWN! The Falcons’ offense showed off its ability through the air as Drake London high-points the ball over cornerback Marcus Jones for the touchdown!
Falcons’ first-rounders give Falcons life with strip-sack/recovery
The Atlanta Falcons were reeling after the New England Patriots reeled off 14 unanswered points, and were looking for more as the 1st half wound down. Instead, the duo of first-round edge rushers made the play of the day, so far, for the Falcons as Jalon Walker looped around and popped the ball free from quarterback Drake Maye’s grasp. James Pearce, Jr. found the football and ran it back to the Patriots’ six-yard line before being brought down by fellow rookie left tackle Will Campbell.
Now, it’s looking like we have a ball game! The Patriots get the ball after the half, but the Falcons have taken the momentum into the locker room.
This is Drake Maye’s fifth fumble of the season, tying him for third-most with Matthew Stafford and Cam Ward. Atlanta has also gotten some good pressure on Maye, with three sacks in the first half.
London finds the end zone for the second time
Another red zone drive, another Drake London touchdown over Marcus Jones. Michael Penix, Jr. found his favorite target for a second touchdown from inside the five over the same cornerback, this time from two yards out.
Drake London continues to use that big body like he needs to, as he has only his second-ever game with multiple receiving touchdowns.
Jessie Bates gets first interception of 2025
Whether it was a miscommunication or not, Drake Maye sailed the ball, and the always opportunistic Jessie Bates made him pay.
This is the first interception for Bates this season, and the Falcons’ defense has been forcing all sorts of havoc for this New England offense. Whether it’s a sack, an interception or a fumble, the Falcons are making life difficult for Maye and company.
Bijan Robinson only needs one hand
I…I really don’t have much to add. Bijan Robinson may be one of the best football players we’ve seen.
Drake London’s hat trick brings the Falcons within one
Drake London is having the game of his life. Eight receptions, 92 yards, with not one, not two, but three touchdowns. And London saved his best performance for last.
With the running game being borderline anemic, London has been the driving force keeping this Falcons team in the game. As this one winds down, the Falcons are in a firefight with a borderline AFC playoff lock. Because, of course, they are.
Other Notables
- Brandon Dorlus and LaCale London played outstanding ball along the defensive line, both players snagged two sacks and were constantly in Drake Maye’s lap, helping get the Falcons to six sacks on the day.
- Arnold Ebiketie had an incredible day as a run-stuffing edge player, making multiple plays at or behind the line of scrimmage in the run game.
- Jalon Walker…nothing else needs to be said.
